Submitted by: University of the Philippines at Los Baños
Implemented country: Philippines
Title: River, fiber and power: bringing light & life to poor in remote Philippines

In the Philippines, coconut farmers in remote areas are poor and have no access to electricity. This project uses river currents to generate clean electricity that energizes a battery recharging facility. Batteries and light bulbs are distributed to provide lighting to households scattered in remote mountains. The project is financially sustained by training the farmers to process their coconut husks into fiber and barter it to pay for battery charging services. The additional fibers they produce are paid for in cash, thus providing the people with alternative livelihood. The fibers are environmentally friendly and used in conservation activities.